There is a temptation for preachers to take the victory of the Gospel beyond the the age that that we live in. The reality is that we all face failure and suffering, but this doesn’t mean that we have failed as Christians or committed some terrible sin. After all, the apostle Paul spent years in prison and was eventually beheaded; was that because he ignored the will of God, or because he followed it?

I have to apologise to the more sensitive, because I do have a bit of a rant 😉

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The resurrection of Jesus Christ is so much more than a cosy spiritual concept or the assurance of an after life. Of course the spiritual dimension is huge, and while it does guarantee both life after death and a personal resurrection; Jesus’ bodily resurrection has an equally important impact on the way we see the world and live our lives in the here and now.Read more

When we turn to God and put our faith in Jesus we receive a whole new identity, our old man was crucified with Christ and we share in the resurrection life of Jesus Himself. The struggle of course is that our bodies are not yet renewed and so we have a fight between our old programming (the flesh) and the Holy Spirit who now lives in us. The secret to life transformation is found in Romans 12:2, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind”. As we come to terms with what Jesus has done for us and believe it over and above what we feel, we get a whole new outlook on life. This outlook is not a ticket away from challenges and struggles, in fact in one sense the opposite is true, but, and it is a big but, we face life on different terms, with different values and a whole new perspective on just how good God really is; and of course we have a future brimming over with hope. No matter what comes our way, no devil, no tragedy, no suffering can separate us from God or deny us our place in the resurrection. Read more

Church as we know it in the West isn’t working; I don’t mean people don’t enjoy themselves (as that seems to be the main directive), some do. What I am talking about is our prime directive to go into all the world and make disciples, our current understanding of church is most certainly failing in this respect. It was this understanding that caused me to make such a radical shift of direction in my life. Whilst I really don’t have all the answers I feel I am closer to what Jesus had in mind when He said ‘church’ than when I ‘pastoring’.

It is the New Year and the social media will be awash with apparent ‘pearls of wisdom’ on how next year can be your best. I am sure the self-help books will see an increase in sales as those inspired by the season look to improve themselves – And let’s be honest there is no shortage of help out there; apparently our angels, departed loved ones, position of your furniture, daily mantra’s, understanding your chakra and being nice to small animals are all essential keys. If that is the case I have neither the time or the energy to be happy.

If the world quit sinning what would happen? If mankind stopped stealing, murdering and lying, if the gay community went straight and religious zealots stopped blowing people up, surely then God would bless the nations and we could all enjoy a better life, wouldn’t we? The short answer – No!

What we are

A common misunderstanding about sin is that people believe it is exclusively what they do – not so. Sin is just as much about what we are! Sinning doesn’t make us sinners, being a sinner makes us sin. Sin is as much about our actions as it is about our nature. Read more

Whilst there is no precedence in the New Testament for a clergy laity divide, and absolutely nothing about a separate New Testament priesthood to rule over God’s people, you still need to call the Priest.

You don’t need just any priest

In the Old Testament God raised up the tribe of Levi as priests who would minister to the people on His behalf, and then minister to God on the people’s behalf. This mind set still stands to this day, whether we have a Pope or a Pastor. We are looking for someone to go to God on our behalf.

The biggest thing to happen to me in the last few years is a fuller understanding of God’s grace; it has changed the way I see just about everything. One of the most freeing things for me has been the way that grace makes total honesty with yourself, God and perhaps even other people possible.

What do I mean? Grace means that we can present ourselves to God as we really are, and how we really feel, regardless of how right or wrong we may be. I know that for some this can go against the grain, but think about it for a moment. When I admit to God where I really am, that is not when He finds out about it; if I confess my sin to Him it is in no way an education for Him. He saw me, my failures, my rebellion, my immoral thoughts etc. long before He saved me, and what’s more they are all dealt with through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. God has reconciled Himself to us once and for all, His position toward us who believe doesn’t change – God will forever be our Father.

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